Scholars call for Muslim unity at Hijra anniversary

His Majesty King Abdullah with children from Anwar Al Huda group Islamic scholars on Sunday underlined the need for preserving unity as the Muslim world encounters growing challenges .
Calling for solidarity and tolerance among all Muslims, the scholars highlighted the role of the Hashemites in safeguarding Al Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem against the Israeli occupation.
They made the remarks at a ceremony yesterday marking the anniversary of Prophet Mohammad’s Hijra (migration from Mecca to Medina), in the presence of His Majesty King Abdullah, several Royal family members, and senior officials and officers.
On Saturday, Jordan, along with other Arab and Muslim countries, celebrated the Hijri New Year (1433). The Islamic year begins on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in Islam.
"The Muslim nation is facing attempts to sow seeds of sedition among the Muslims. The nation is facing conspiracies at this stage that require vigilance," Abdul Karim Khasawneh, the Kingdom's grand mufti, said at the ceremony, held by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs at the King Abdullah I Mosque yesterday.
He emphasised the need to end divisions among Muslims, as well as to uproot corruption and implement reforms.
Khasawneh called for cooperation among all members of the community to tackle the problems Jordanian society is facing.
In a speech at the ceremony, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Abdul Salam Abbadi stressed the importance of realising comprehensive development.
In a poem recited at the event, poet Haidar Mahmoud faulted Arabs and Muslims for not taking practical action in light of attempts to distort the image of Prophet Mohammad.
He also referred to attempts by the Israelis to Judaise Jerusalem and its sacred sites, adding that Arabs and Muslims are not taking practical steps to address the challenges they face.